Social support for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

The goal of this investigation was to marry two theories of supportive communication outcomes in order to test a comprehensive model of social support for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The theoretical frameworks utilized in this investigation were the theory of conversationally-induced reappraisals and the dualprocess theory of supportive communication outcomes. These theoretical frameworks provide a foundation for the conversation of how social network members can help their loved ones with OCD manage their distressing symptoms as they explore the types of social support message features (verbal person-centeredness) that are most productive in achieving emotional improvement for those experiencing emotional distress. The union of these two theories in the context of social support and OCD management led to the testing of seven hypotheses. Participants (n = 168) who self-identified as living with OCD at some point in their life were recruited to fill out an online questionnaire. Results indicated support for the theory of conversationally-induced reappraisals, but not for the dual-process theory of supportive communication outcomes. Overall, the findings of this investigation highlighted the utility of emotional support messages high in verbal person-centeredness as they led those with OCD to reassess the intrusive nature of their symptoms, a process which promoted overall affective improvement. These associations suggest that social network members can help their loved ones with OCD manage their symptoms through supportive communication.